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Book,.lE: 7XP- L 



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T^oems of Sunny 
Qolorado 

By Susie Kerin 



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Copyright, 1922 

By Susie Kerin 



The Welch-Haffner Printing Co. 
DENVER 



DEC 20 72 

S)C1A6 92 5.58 



GATEWAY OF THE LIGHT: THY BEAMING, 

LIKE SUNRAYS ON THE WESTERN SLOPE- 
PROMISING A BRIGHT AND FAIR TOMORROW, 
OUR LIFE, OUR SWEETNESS, AND OUR HOPE, 

THIS LITTLE BOOK IS DEDICATED 





SUSIE KERIN 



T'he Garden 

Near the mountains is a lovely garden, 
Denver beauteous, haven of the West; 
Through her welcome arch the tired tourist 
Finds an oasis of peace and rest. 

In this garden there is always sunshine. 
Happiness, good will, and blessings rare ; 
Rising in a cloud of benediction 
To descend in fragrance through the air. 

May all those who wander through this garden 
Breathe this air from yonder snow capped crest. 
And enjoy each happy, restful hour 
As the sun sinks in the golden west. 



The ^J)(tou/it of The Holy Qross 

O, Mount of contemplation ! 

What a lesson you impart ! 

In g-randeur and sublimity 

How like the human heart, 

With its sunshine, storms and tempests, 

As the seasons come and go, 

You cover hope and destiny 

Beneath a cross of snow. 

We know not what deep blessings 
Lie hid within thy heart. 
For future generations 
As they come and then depart. 
But thy symbol and its mercy. 
Like the sunshine and the dew, 
Revives and strengthens courage, 
And makes bright the mountain view\ 

The snow that nestles in thy arms 
May melt and gain renown. 
In sparkling drops of mercy, 
The cross become a crown. 
Bringing glory to persistence. 
That will ever keep us near, 
The sign wherein we conquer. 
And the love that casts out fear. 

Our visions oft are hazy 
In life's foothills as we grope. 
The atmosphere grows clearer 
As we near the western slope. 
May each snowfiake in thy symbol 
Turn to glistening light, around 
The emblem of faith, hope and love, 
When we are homeward bound. 



T^he Kindergarten Teacher 

A wise robin teacher, 
Her experiences unfurled 
Before a class of redbreasts 
About to face the world, 
Said: "I've flown north and south; 
I have flown high and low, 
But the city they call Denver 
Is the best place I know." 

"With its parks, lawns and boulevards 

None others can compare, 

When you need a healing tonic 

Of life-giving air. 

Its people and its climate 

Are as good as good can be. 

And that counts for more than half 

In selecting nest and tree." 

"So, my children, wdien you travel 

And feel weary and alone, 

And the clouds obscure the vision 

Of the brightness you have known, 

Fly back in loving gladness. 

Sing your sweetest redbreast trills. 

When you hover o'er the citv 

In the shadow of the hills." 



The 'Xpmance of Tike s T*eal^ 

There was once a pretty legend 
Of a knight, whose whole desire 
Was to find the light of happiness, 
In golden rays of fire. 
On the mountains of his vision 
He had hopes, so runs the tale, 
Where he found this light celestial 
He would find the "Holy Grail." 

Twas in the golden summer 

Of eighteen hundred eight, 

A United States lieutenant 

Named Pike, rode through the gate 

Of pre-historic grandeur. He was dazed. 

For clothed in white, 

Stood a mountain on whose summit 

Gleamed a fascinating light. 

He bowed in admiration 

Where the mariposa nods, 

At the sight that met his vision, 

From the "Garden of the Gods." 

He had found the land of promise 

By the light that cannot fail. 

His heart was filled with rapture — 

He had found the "Holy Grail." 

And o'er the gay lieutenant 
There came a solemn change, 
He loved this stately daughter 
Of the continental range. 
And in faith he saw the future, 
And heard the world acclaim 
The bride who ever after 
Was to bear his honored name. 

By faith he reached the gateway 

Of perfection true and tried; 

By faith he saw the glory 

That would crown the Great Divide. 

For the light that led him kindly 

Amid encircling gloom, 

Was as bright as Colorado 

With the columbines in bloom. 

With the faith that overcometh. 
He traveled toward the light. 
With a loving heart courageous 
Onward ever where the night 
Had passed, and where the dawning 
Of happiness is born. 
In a sunrise on the mountain. 
When its beauty brings the morn. 



zA Tribute 

Oh! Denver, City Beautiful, 

What architect of might 

Wrought those wonders and achievements, 

To adorn thy fame so bright ? 

Who accompHshed with rare genius 

All his heart and mind could do, 

Who was this wondrous dreamer 

Who made all his dreams come true? 

He worked for Denver's welfare 
With a zeal that stands supreme ; 
His monuments of beauty 
Will in future annals gleam. 
In public estimation 
He will hold a place apart ; 
His name will be remembered 
On chaplets in each heart. 

Oh ! breathe that name with reverence ; 

Its luster pure as gold 

Should be the inspiration. 

Hearts of gratitude should hold. 

As the city called The Beautiful, 

Grows larger year by year, 

Brighter grows the hallowed memory 

or Robert W. Speer. 



Sstes T^a?^/^ 

Estes Park is nature's dreamland 
If you go there in the spring, 
When the glaciers just awaken 
And the happy robins sing. 
In the summer time it's heaven, 
When the days are bright and long. 
And the meadow larks are laughing. 
Filling all the park with song. 

The mountains towering upward, 
The landscape pictures grand; 
There's a sense of holy peacefulness 
Around this broad expand. 
And Long's Peak looking downward 
Like a watchman on a tower. 
Who guards a priceless treasure. 
That has beauty, fame, and power. 

When the tourist season closes. 
And the guests and birds have fled; 
When along the mountain pathway 
Leaves are falling, gold and red — 
The scene's so incomparable. 
Endowed with all that charms ; 
A spell entwines around you. 
Like the clasp of mother arms. 





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T^he T*ioneers of Qolo?'ado 

What visions led the pioneers. 
With hearts of courage strong, 
To leave their home and kindred 
And migrate with the throng. 
Who went in quest of fortune 
On the plains still fast asleep, 
And the mountains mute and silent. 
Guarding well their treasures deep? 

They came, they saw, they conquered- 

Through the vista of the years 

Let us look with emulation, 

On the sturdy pioneers 

Coming to this land to conquer, 

By their labors to attest 

How faith, fortitude and courage, 

Transformed the middle west. 

They are going down the valley. 
They are going one by one ; 
Soon they'll pass beyond the portals 
And will hear the words "well done." 
But they leave a lovely heritage — 
Their works well done to crown 
All who follow in their footsteps, 
Till life's sun goes down. 




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The <iy}(Ci/ieraI Springs at -jM'anitou 

Pike's Peak is never lonely, 
Always busy at her feet, 
Like liquid diamonds dancing- 
Spring the mineral waters sweet, 
As they sing their bubble, bubble, 
Toil or trouble onward plods. 
For they find no jilace of harbor 
Near the Garden of the Gods. 

Manitou, Great Spirit, surely 
Ever since creation's birth. 
Water clear and effervescent 
Bubbling brightly from the earth, 
Must have been a gift celestial. 
From the everlasting shore. 
Sent to bless each generation 
Until time shall be no more. 

Drink from nature's lovely fountains, 
■Drink, each draught gives health and life. 
Drink the sparkling flowing nectar. 
Never cause of sin or strife. 
Here's to sunny Colorado — 
May her gold and wealth untold. 
Never serve intoxication — 
Is a toast for young and old. 



l^he Seven Falls 

A little maid left Broadmoor 
On a burro, for a roam 
Up the South Cheyenne, a canyon 
Where the waters laugh and foam. 
As they hurry o'er the cascades, 
Singing- as they glide away 
To the realms of silent waters, 
Bringing garlands of the fray. 

She saw ]:)lainly little children 
Dancing down the Seven Falls ; 
Seven little winsome fairies 
Singing sweet evangel calls — 
"We are messengers of gladness, 
Life is fleeting, come and share 
In eternity's bright ocean. 
All we bring in triumph there. 

"\\"e have soared in clouds of glor}'. 
And descended in the dew, 
To clothe the pretty lilies. 
Whose purity and hue 
Has rivaled all the grandeur, 
And wisdom of the King. 
\Miose name and fame forever, 
\\'ill live while poets sing. 

"You have listened to our voices 

In the music of the rain, 

You have heard our little footsteps, 

As we tinkle on the pane. 

You have seen us in the fountain. 

Throwing kisses at the sun. 

We frolic in the brooklets. 

And babble as we run." 

The warbling of a meadow lark 
Awoke the sleeping child, 
\Mio realized the Seven Falls, 
Her fancy had beguiled ; 
Her mystic friends had vanished, 
Near the Falls, so clear and cool, 
Stood her steed, serenely happy. 
Drinking from a quiet pool. 



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The Ship-^och^on The Uesert 

In southwestern Colorado 

Lives the noble Navajo trilie 

Of Indian braves, in wigwam tents. 

Where all in peace abide. 

Near the Ship-Rock on the desert, 

That was sent them from above, 

When they prayed to Mighty Manitou, 

This tale they tell with love. 

In ages past, their sires relate 
How tribes who broke the law. 
Deprived them of all sustenance 
For dear papoose and squaw. 
They prayed "Oh, Mighty Spirit. 
Help thy children, hear our call." 
And like eagle soaring downward. 
Came this ship with help for all. 

The Navajo points proudly, 

And says, "To us alone 

Great Spirit sends all bounty, 

From that ship now turned to stone." 

Call this legend, story, fable. 

It portrays God's holy way 

When He answers faithful people, 

His blessino's come to stav. 



The "B 



urro 



When I first came to the mountains, 
I was strong, unfettered, free — 
Roaming" through mysterious canyons, 
Climbing heights majestically. 
Where I basked in freedom's blessings, 
And pleasure's wild delight. 
Never thinking once that duty 
Intertwined as day and night. 

But there came so many white men, 
With visions to attain — 
Pioneers with high ambitions 
To improve this vast domain — 
That I formed a resolution 
To forsake my idle mode. 
Take up the white man's burden 
And help him pack his load. 

Going up Pike's rugged mountain. 
No motor ever made 
Can scale the heights and passes. 
Or compete in making grade. 
With one so sure and steady 
When climbing everywhere. 
No matter who is weary 
I am always free from care. 

In enterprising ventures. 
You can meet me with my load — 
Men even in my presence cla^ni 
They built the cog-wheel road ; 
With them I beg to differ. 
If true evidence you seek ; 
We will leave it all to Pike. 
For he's the ]:)atron of the Peak. 



Inspiration T*oint 

Life is ever a commotion — 
Our hearts are like the waves 
On the restless, throbbing- ocean; 
The peace that each heart craves 
Resounds in inspirations, 
Rolling onward to the shore 
Of a calm and quiet harbor — 
Then are silenced, evermore. 

From Denver, toward the sunset, 
Both man and nature joint 
Have built a landscape harbor, 
Known as Inspiration Point. 
There in sunshine and in shadow, 
There the happy and oppressed. 
All are rocked on nature's billows, 
Till their spirits are at rest. 

Then from peaks and vales and canyons, 

From birds and rippling- riHs. 

A "Gloria in Excelsis" 

Is wafted from the hills. 

And for each at their departure 

How much of "Peace be still" 

They take from Inspiration Point, 

Depends on their g-(X)d will. 



JCo^ig ' s ''Pea /^ /// // 



Long's Peak, mighty rock of ages, 
Guarding" Long"'s Peak Inn so famed, 
Like the fortress of a kingxlom 
W here the King was loved who reigned. 
Tell us of that Inn so lovely. 
Like a dream within a dream. 
Who it was that built that haven 
Where the smiles of nature beam. 

Long's Peak Inn, so quaint and rustic. 
Formed and fashioned near the hills. 
Art and beauty, skill and romance, 
Built the home of Enos Mills. 
Fear was cast out by love's sceptre. 
Where the squirrels revel free; 
Harmony, good-will and kindness 
Seem to sing "Abide with me." 

You who love the haunts of nature. 
Come, and stay awhile with me ; 
You, the captive of life's worries. 
Come, and I will set you free. 
Are you weary of the journey 
Going ever toward the West, 
Long's Peak Inn extends this welc(Mue 
Come, and I will give vou rest. 



T'hc Song oj "The Foioitain 

'Neath the canopy of heaven. 
With the sun and stars al)ove her, 
Stands our sovereign on the fountain 
With a nectar for each thirst ; 
With thy shield, thy fame and laurels 
We love to gather round thee. 
And we celebrate thy birthday 
Every year on August first. 

Our loyalty and learning- 
Are ever close beside thee ; 
Our love is always with thee, 
Mighty Empress of our State. 
Now we listen to the fountain 
And thy silvery mystic singing. 
As you look out on the future 
Through a grand majestic gate. 

Arise! O Mighty Radium, 

From thy sleep beneath the mountains, 

And tell thy sister Radio, 

Just awakened in the air. 

Of thy dreams of radiant treasures 

That lie beneath the Rockies, 

For the thrifty sons of fortune 

Who may come and find them there. 

And may all who seek those treasures, 
With their souls and minds united 
In the chalice of the columbine. 
Lift their hearts on high. 
For the blessings and the sunshine 
That are showered on Colorado, 
That the privilege to live here 
God mav e"rant will never die. 



71? Our Qlorious Scout 

When the i)i()neei-s were coming 
There was danger ever near. 
But foremost in the vanguard 
Was a scout who knew no fear. 
And the people as a mother 
Who glories in her son, 
W^as proud of his achievements, 
And all that he had done. 

It was not in life's Ijright morning 
When the harvest we must reap. 
But when evening shadows gathered 
That our hero went to sleep. 
And the people as a token 
To the fame of one so brave, 
Took him up to lofty Lookout, 
And laid him in a grave. 

When the tourists of the universe 

Have climbed that lofty height, 

And reached Mount Lookout summit, 

There ascending to the right 

The people love to linger 

Li the fragrance of the pine. 

Where valor, strength, and courage. 

Are restino- in a shrine. 



Through The ^JMoufitain 'TarJ{s 

If you wish to commune with nature, 
And enjoy the environs of western life. 
Go out on the Golden road to Lookout 
Away from the city and its strife. 
On through (ienesee Park entrancing, 
Like Aurora's mellow lights. 
Gleams the beauty of the landscape 
Mewed from Panorama Heights. 

Onward go, through Bear Creek Canyon, 

The Inn, and Lake, near high inclines, 

Inviting- all to pause and rest. 

Is beautiful Troutdale-in-the-I'ines. 

On again the singing brooklet. 

Flowing near the road serene. 

Leads a captive sweetly on 

To dreams of youth at Evergreen. 

A^rmont Hills and scenes of childhood. 

Memories of the long ago. 

Come by wireless throug;h the fragrance 

Like a golden afterglow. 

Smiling through the years now vanished. 

Dreamland forms come back again. 

Bringing greetings from the forest 

To a soul who listens in. 



On the Rockies, vast and rugged, 
Grows the tall inspiring Pine, 
Like a monarch of the forest 
Ruling by a right divine. 
And he sends a fragrant message, 
Guided by an unseen hand. 
Breathing love and benediction 
From his throne so high and grand. 

Face to face with the primeval. 
Words, that enervate the heart, 
Like sweet memories of childhood 
Linger always to impart. 
Truths, both simple and prevailing, 
Countless thousands yet to be 
Will recall the words of Kilmer 
"Only God can make a tree." 

The Pine-Tree loves the mountains. 

For the columbines and pine. 

Waft their fragrance to the white peaks, 

As they stand at timber line. 

And the Pine-Tree carols softly 

Strains of music that enthralls. 

Like an echo from the valley, 

AVhere a pretty cascade falls. 



'Tiuas in The Sarly IDays 

In the days when Colorado 

W'as Hke a growing child, 

Fair and strong in hope and promise, 

On brave men she often smiled. 

Who came to seek their fortunes 

In the mines, and diverse ways, 

When adventure was in flower 

To them " 'Twas in the early days." 

Denver then was young and rugged; 
Leadville from a tiny seed 
Had grown to fair dimensions, 
And there was no night in Creed. 
Men had faith in all around them. 
Every morning brightest rays, 
Like a lighthouse near the harbor, 
Beamed with hope "Tn early days." 

Rut their stories of adventures. 
When hearts with hope were light. 
Are receding in the distance, 
And will soon be out of sight. 
But the children of the pioneers 
Will recognize the phrase. 
Often heard in tale and story, 
" Twas in the earlv davs." 



T he (^u?i?iiso?i T^iver 

On the Gunnison all nature bends, 

And whispers far and near 

Sweet hosannas, where the fishermen, 

Within the waters clear, 

Can see the speckled beauties, 

Which they strive to catch and land — 

Its a scenic joy for tourists 

Riding on the Rio Grande. 

The supply of trout and pleasure, 

This river gives away. 

Is replenished by Omnipotence; 

We hear each ripple say — 

"Give the world thy best and choicest 

Deeds of love, then course away. 

Every gift and cup of water 

Is rewarded some bright day." 

We are like the ilov/ing river. 
Rolling on, and on, and on; 
May the words of hope and kindness, 
Given as we go along, 
Resound like dancing ripples, 
\\'here the fishes play and hide, 
Making glad the hearts of many. 
On the road to Telluride. 



